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Irish MMA fighter Ryan Curtis has received a generous donation of £25,000 from fellow fighter Conor McGregor after sustaining "life-changing" injuries in a training accident. According to fighter Leah McCourt, Curtis, 31, suffered "a broken back, a broken neck, and a dislocated spine" in the incident.
Curtis, who has been a professional fighter since 2015 and has participated in Cage Warriors and Bellator events, received further support from Belfast boxer Michael Conlan, MMA fighters Molly McCann and Dillon Danis, as well as coach John Kavanagh, who also made donations to assist Curtis and his family.
McGregor expressed his support for Curtis on social media, stating that he was "sending my support and well wishes" to the Dublin fighter. McCourt, in an Instagram post, mentioned that there is no definite timeline for Curtis's recovery, adding that he will no longer be able to pursue his passion for MMA, a sport to which he has devoted himself since the age of 11.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Curtis maintains a positive outlook, as noted by McCourt, who described him as a resilient individual who has faced adversity with determination and optimism.
Curtis's partner, Emma, expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support, describing the response as a testament to his character. She remains hopeful for his recovery and asks for continued prayers from well-wishers.
Rhys McKee, Curtis's teammate, spoke highly of his friend, emphasizing his vibrant personality and dedication to his sport. He highlighted the MMA community's unity in rallying behind Curtis, demonstrating their support and solidarity during this difficult time.